info@accidentinjurynews.com
Contact us with questions:
Email:Submit Form

Ricky Willis charged in fatal Lake Wales dirt bike DUI crash

clock Created with Sketch Beta. July 04, 2026
Ricky Willis charged in fatal Lake Wales dirt bike DUI crash

LAKE WALES, FL (July 1, 2026) — A 17-year-old dirt bike rider was killed Wednesday evening in a crash involving a suspected impaired driver in Lake Wales, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said a Ford F-150 driven by 53-year-old Ricky Morris Willis of Haines City crossed the double yellow line on Canal Road while attempting to pass a dirt bike and a Volkswagen near Carol Place at approximately 6:40 p.m.

Authorities said the pickup truck clipped the dirt bike during the passing maneuver, propelling it into the Volkswagen. The teenage rider was ejected from the dirt bike and died as a result of the crash.

Deputies reported that Willis appeared impaired and admitted to consuming multiple beers earlier in the day. He was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI with property damage, driving with a suspended license, and two counts of child neglect.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal collision.

Incident Location


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Despite ongoing enforcement efforts across the country, impaired drivers continue to pose a serious danger to innocent and law-abiding motorists.

The consumption of alcohol can reduce a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,524 of the 42,514 people who were fatally injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2022 were involved in alcohol-related incidents.

An independent investigation will be necessary to determine any additional contributing factors in the crash, including blood-alcohol content levels.

Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, discussed incidents such as this.

“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, analyze surveillance video from the crash scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protect their legal rights, and help ensure that a driver who chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired is held accountable for their actions.”


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of the victim could pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“We understand the difficult circumstances families must endure, and protecting their legal rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests remain fully protected.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Leave a comment

Your email address & phone no will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

No comments found.

Free Accident Report

If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident and would like the official Accident Report, Bond Legal can offer their assistance.

Bond Legal works with Accident Injury News to provide these news updates because we are passionate about helping victims and their families and hold those who are responsible accountable to make our communities safer. If you would like us to help you and your family, please contact us through one of the methods below.

Free Legal Consultation knowledge is power
Candice And Formica

Hello, I am Candice Bond*, and the law firm of Bond Legal works closely with victims and their families impacted by a variety of accidents and tragedies.

If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident or incident contact us now.

  • Costs Nothing To Speak To Us
  • Pay $0 Unless We Win For You+
  • We Are Honored To Help
  • We Are Available 24/7
Chat Live

We're available 24/7. Click to chat with a live representative now.

chat with us
Call Us

Bond Legal representatives are available 24/7.

866-986-7738

    Get a free case evaluation

    A Bond Legal representative can contact you directly. Please complete this form to get started.

    I hereby expressly consent to receive automated communications, including calls, texts, emails, and/or prerecorded messages from Bond Legal and any firm to whom Bond Legal refers the matter or co-counsel. By submitting this form, you agree to our Terms & acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please do not submit any confidential or sensitive information. Submission of the form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
    Personal Injury Lawyers

    Bond Legal is organized as an LLC in Illinois and as a Professional Corporation in California. Bond Legal LLC lawyers are licensed in AL, AR, FL, GA, HI, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NM, NC, NY, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, UT, WI, and WV. Bond Legal PC lawyers are licensed in CA, CO, IA, IL, TX, and WA. Legal services are limited to the foregoing states. *Candice Bond is licensed in CA, IA, IL, TX & WA only and can be contacted at 17500 Red Hill Ave. #100, Irvine, CA 92614, 949-988-7100, cmbond@bondlegalgroup.com. +Client may be responsible for costs and expenses. "Pay $0 Unless We Win For You," refers only to contingent fees charged by the attorney. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client. Some cases may be co-counseled with other lawyers. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This is a paid advertisement.

    Latest News

    July 15, 2026 William Holland dies after Highway 64 collision in Faulkner Read post ›
    July 15, 2026 Cia Carmeshia Williams killed in Ohatchee semi-truck crash, police say Read post ›
    July 15, 2026 Teresa Davis killed in Buncombe County hit-and-run crash Read post ›
    Loading...